THE PRIMROSE. 
35 
“ The botanic name, primula, is derived from primus, 
first, prime, or early ; and hence prime-rose, contracted 
into primrose: ” and though, in fact, this flower is 
preceded by the snowdrop and crocus, yet, on the least 
encouragement from sun and wind, it blossoms very 
early, seeming anxious to appear amongst the first that 
“ tell us tales about the spring.” Except the daisy, no 
flower, perhaps, more touchingly recalls the days of our 
childhood. There may be here and there one in this 
work-day world insensible to the witchery of such re¬ 
miniscences, and to whom the poet’s descriptive lines 
may be applied without a libel: — 
“ A primrose by a river’s brim, 
A yellow primrose was to him, 
And it was nothing more ; ” 
But most will be able to recollect the time when they 
“ Robb’d every primrose-root they met, 
And oft-times got the root to set; 
And joyful home each nosegay bore, 
And felt—as they will feel no more.” 
From the paleness of its hue, and its growing in 
groves and shady situations, it is generally in poetry 
invested with a mournful character. 
